Pro Secrets for No-Melt Summer Makeup

Your wardrobe isn't the only thing that needs an update when the temperatures rise.

Summer is full of pleasures — but melting makeup, smeared eyeliner, and super-sticky lipstick are not among them. That's why we asked top makeup artists to spill their best tips for keeping makeup looking fresh and pretty, even when the weather is working against you.

1. Bronze believably."Bronzer makes your eyes look brighter, your teeth whiter — everyone looks better with a little warmth added to their skin," says New York City makeup artist Troy Surratt. To keep the results looking fresh and natural, he recommends applying bronzer just to the high points of your face, where the sun naturally hits you: forehead, cheekbones, chin, and nose. (Covering every nook and cranny is what gives you that fake, baked look.) Powder bronzers are the easiest to apply; look for one with varying shades — they'll swirl together for the most authentic-looking results. And be sure to sweep a little bronzer onto your neck and earlobes, especially if you have short hair or are wearing a pony­tail.

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2. But first, make time for primer.
You won't regret the few seconds it will take to smooth on a primer, which goes on after moisturizer but before face makeup. Like house-paint primer, it provides a smooth base for whatever goes on next. "Primers are definitely the way to go in summer," says New York City makeup artist Ashunta Sheriff. "They're incredibly light — they don't feel at all like a heavy, additional layer — and they really help hold makeup in place."

4. Try out vibrant color.
Just as you're probably more likely to wear a vivid top or carry a bright bag this season, now's the perfect time to play up your makeup palette. Besides looking summery, "livelier colors brighten the face and bring a youthful glow to skin," says Surratt. If you tend to stick with neutrals, experiment with just one area of your face. A punchy blush on the apples of the cheeks is a good place to start.

5. Stop shine and add glow.
A slick T-zone instantly telegraphs the message "I'm hot" — and we don't mean sexy. To eliminate unsightly shine in seconds, nothing beats blotting papers. "They're cheap, easy, and amazing — you just press and go," says Sheriff. If you need to perk up your makeup too, blot first, then follow up with a dusting of pressed powder with a hint of luminescence. "You want to eliminate shine, but you still want to look a little glow-y, especially in summer," says Surratt.

6. Switch out thick lipsticks.
Since heavy lip colors often feel like overkill once the weather warms up, many women opt for clear balm or skip their lips altogether. But just because you're feeling low-maintenance doesn't mean you have to look it. A simple swipe-and-go choice: tinted lip balms. "They give you whisper-light color, and many even have SPF to protect you from the sun," says Surratt.

7. Go sheer.
"Rich, deep colors have their place, but they can look heavy in summer," says Surratt. To lighten up, switch to sheer versions of your go-to lip and eye hues. Use a lipliner pre-application if you need extra definition, but go for a nude shade to keep that carefree feeling, or try "invisible" lipliner, which deposits a clear, waxy film to stop color from bleeding. Bonus: Because sheer colors are subtler, you almost can't go overboard.

8. Stay-proof your eye makeup.
For longer-lasting shadow, avoid using eye cream on your lids (it can break down makeup), and smooth on an eye primer instead. "It will minimize creasing and create a base for the shadow to cling to so it lasts longer," says Seattle makeup artist Sharona Schweitzer. For the ultimate in all-day wearability, layer a powder over a cream. Doubling up works for liner, too. "Apply your regular pencil or cream liner, then use a small angled brush to press dark shadow over the liner to set it for longer wear," says Schweitzer.

9. Wade into waterproof.
If you tried water­proof mascaras once but found them less than stellar, it's time to give 'em another go. "They used to be brittle, crumbly, and flaky, but today's formulas are much better — and they really last," says Surratt. Can't bear to switch from your favorite? Apply a waterproof version on the tips of your lashes over regular mascara to boost its staying power.